The arrests follow a series of police raids earlier this week and come as new dumpsites are being discovered around the country.

The head of Maribor crime investigator Beno Meglič said a total of six suspects and two legal entities faced criminal charges in the case. The four who were detained are to be brought before an investigating judge tomorrow.

They face up to eight years in prison for polluting the environment, jeopardizing the health and lives of people and animals, and damage to plants.